Valley Stream graduates get scholarships from Lion’s Club

Raylana Ciceron and Arshia Iqbal received $1,000 scholarships each from the Valley Stream Lion’s Club on Aug. 15, as part of the club’s annual scholarship dinner.

“It was beautiful,” said Lions Club President Catrina Dugger. “They attended with their mothers, and it was a beautiful night.”

To receive the awards, Ciceron and Iqbal had to submit applications. They were chosen based on their community service, academic standing and financial need, Dugger said.

Iqbal, who was this year’s valedictorian for North High School, said she decided to apply for the scholarship because she felt that she met the credentials. She said she would use the money to buy books and supplies for college.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to the Lions Club for supporting my academic endeavors,” Iqbal said.

Ciceron, who graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in June, said she decided to apply after she saw a flyer about the scholarship in her school’s guidance office. She said she would use the money to offset the cost of attending New York University in the fall.

“I’m glad I get to go to NYU, but it’s really expensive,” Ciceron said. “So [the scholarship is] going to be a really big help for me.”

Both girls plan to study medicine in college.